Hello my darlings!
It's Emma here, reporting live from the lovely Kenton! I know, I know, a bit of a detour from our usual balletic wanderings. But sometimes even a ballerina needs to spread her wings and embrace a different kind of stage. And let's face it, the Cotswolds, oh my darling Cotswolds, were calling me with all the charm of a perfectly executed arabesque.
Today, I'm channeling my inner Jane Austen in a little black leotard paired with a peacock-feather bolero - think a touch of elegance with just a sprinkle of playfulness thrown in for good measure! It's the perfect outfit for a charming Cotswold town walk, where the houses seem to be dipped in honey, the gardens are filled with roses, and the air smells of fresh bread and wood smoke. Absolutely divine.
Speaking of divinity... a rather gorgeous chestnut mare with the most piercing blue eyes graced me with her presence this morning. She was tethered to a charming post by a little cottage covered in climbing ivy. It seemed a shame to leave her there, so I did the most natural thing and offered her a carrot - because every beautiful creature deserves a little treat! She munched it happily and then allowed me to stroke her velvety nose. She truly was a vision - just like something straight out of Black Beauty, except she had this delightful little star-shaped birthmark on her forehead. A truly enchanting start to the day, wouldn't you say?
After our equine encounter, I treated myself to a delectable cream tea in the quaintest tearoom I've ever laid eyes on. Imagine a dainty space, overflowing with flowers and lace doilies, serving perfectly brewed Earl Grey, scones warm from the oven, and clotted cream that melted like a dream in your mouth! Pure bliss! It was the perfect little fuel for the journey to the Cotswold Wildlife Park, which was my main event today!
Now, my lovely friends, I am utterly mad for all creatures great and small. I feel like they just understand me. The moment you step into that Wildlife Park, you can feel the peace radiating from these incredible creatures. It's magical, truly! I spent ages watching the graceful movements of the flamingos, marvelling at the majesty of a roaring lion, and completely falling for the fluffy charm of the meerkats. Did I mention they totally stole my heart? My camera went completely crazy, snapping a thousand shots of their comical little antics!
Speaking of the animal kingdom, can we talk about my obsession with giraffes for just a moment? There's something absolutely mesmerizing about those long necks... not to mention how majestic they are with their spot patterns. Every time I encounter a giraffe, I find myself utterly enthralled by their gentleness and quiet grace. And guess what? Today was no different! I even got to feed one a lovely leafy treat through the fence. I know, I know, how decadent am I?
Let's just say that Kenton stole a bit of my heart. It's pure magic. It has the most charming streets, the kind of quaint little shops you could happily spend hours browsing in, breathtaking landscapes to die for, and the cutest little cottages I have ever seen. It's a real **fairytale.
Now for a little balletic interlude. The Cotswolds were surprisingly kind enough to host a lovely little dance workshop. I found myself twirling alongside some delightful local ballerinas. It was like stepping into a different world. There was nothing quite like sharing a passion for movement and art with such a wonderful community of people! We laughed, we chatted, and we even squeezed in a quick photo-op - wearing our finest pink tutus, naturally! (We are, after all, a pink tutu tribe).
The final act of the day was a captivating visit to a Cotswold garden. This was no ordinary garden, oh no! Imagine rambling paths, meandering through stunning blooms of vibrant pinks and blues, and an air so peaceful you could almost hear the rustling leaves in hushed whispers. It felt completely enchanted... it was a truly delightful end to a lovely day in this enchanting English county.
Back in Derbyshire now, the excitement from my Kenton escapade still swirling within me. My journey this time may have veered a little off the beaten track, but it only strengthened my belief in this: *Life is best enjoyed when we allow ourselves to explore, to be open to adventure, and to embrace new experiences. It’s also an incredibly lovely way to share these stories with you! It is precisely those journeys, the little moments, that shape us and bring colour to our world. *
So, my darling friends, let’s all commit to embracing the magic of the world. Don’t be afraid to go off the map, try something new, and to get your inner Pink Tutu spirit soaring!
Until next time, love and tutus!
Emma xx
www.pink-tutu.com
